A backyard gate at this oceanfront home in Santa Monica opens directly onto the sandy beach. The multi-level living space includes three kitchens for convenience. An arch-topped hallway on the main floor helps define the open-plan living, dining and family rooms.

Melanie Brown — also known as Mel B or Scary Spice from her days with the British pop group Spice Girls — and her husband, producer Stephen Belafonte, have bought a house in Hollywood Hills West for $4.34 million, public records show.

This multi-level house set in a gated community in the Santa Monica Mountains overlooks the Lake Sherwood reservoir. Designed to take advantage of the views, the home has a classic look inspired by French architecture.

This Spanish-style mansion in Pacific Palisades' Riviera neighborhood is entered through an 18th century walnut gate surrounded by brightly colored tiles. The motif continues inside with archways and Moorish accents. Most of the rooms connect to a central courtyard and a patio or balcony, adding...